Cumhuriyet niversitesi Fen Fakltesi

Cumhuriyet University Faculty of Science

Fen Bilimleri Dergisi (CFD), Cilt:36, No: 4 zel Say (2015)

Science Journal (CSJ), Vol. 36, No: 4 Special Issue (2015)

ISSN: 1300-1949

ISSN: 1300-1949

ASSESSING THERMAL COMFORT INDICES IN LINE WITH THE

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN COMPATIBLE WITH THE CLIMATE IN BABOLSAR
Saeid KAMYABI1, Rouha DABBAGHIAN2
1Faculty
1PhD.

member of Semnan branch, Islamic Azad University, Semnan, Iran

student in Architecture, Semnan branch, Islamic Azad University, Semnan, Iran

Received: 22.03.2015; Accepted: 29.05.2015

Abstract. Today, the impact of climatic characteristics and weather conditions on construction and housing cannot
be overlooked. Considering climatic conditions and characteristics, examining the effect of these elements on
architecture and its interactive relationship with buildings are inevitable. This study examined the thermal comfort
indices and corresponding climatic factors in Babolsar.In order to determine the comfort conditions in buildings of
Babolsar, this research has been conducted based on bioclimatic indices and aims to use environmental potentials in
order to save energy and improve comfort in the built environments. Accordingly, the required climate data over a
60-year period (1951-2010) were collected according to the climate center of Babolsar and Meteorological
Organization website of Iran. Research methodology in this study was descriptive-analytical. Using methods for the
assessment of thermal comfort indices such as those proposed by Givoni, Olgay and Mahani, architectural
conditions compatible with climate were determined for Babolsar. Finally, some recommendations were presented
for the design of residential space, including skeletal form, building materials, direction of the building, location and
size of openings.
Keywords: Climate, architecture, thermal comfort indices, Babolsar

INTRODUCTION
Sustainability was proposed increasingly as the only authorized issue of designing in the
twenty-first century architecture. The reason is both spiritual and due to its usability. Earth is
physically under ecological great pressures caused by global warming. None of different types
of architecture has moral credit unless it shows this issue through environmental sustainability
(Shahrouz Tehrani,2010).
Thermal comfort conditions include a range of temperature and moisture in which the
regulatory mechanism of body temperature is at the lowest level of activity. Determining the
thermal comfort zone has a direct impact on thermal calculations of a building, the size of
heating and cooling devices, insulation thickness, type of materials and consumption and waste
of energy. Since individuals have the same thermal comfort in similar climatic conditions, it is
necessary that the thermal comfort zone be determined accurately for each climatic region
(Sadeqi Roshan, 2009).
Five climatic factors including temperature, humidity, water vapor pressure, air velocity (wind),
and radiation from the inner wall are considered in determining the thermal comfort zone and
other factors such as the type of activity, covering, age and gender of individuals have been
assumed as constant because they are not controllable (ibid).
_____________

* Corresponding author. E-mail: rooha.dabbaghian@yahoo.com

Special Issue: Technological Advances of Engineering Sciences
http://dergi.cumhuriyet.edu.tr/ojs/index.php/fenbilimleri 2015 Faculty of Science, Cumhuriyet University

Assessing Thermal Comfort Indices In Line With The Architectural Design Compatible With
The Climate In Babolsar
These factors show that human feeling towards the environment cannot be described through
examining some climatic factors such as temperature, relative humidity or air flow because the
combination of these factors affects humans and has a relationship with their physical comfort.
Many environmental engineers have done a lot of research on determining the thermal zone in
different parts of the country and the world (Heidari, 2010).
Among the first research works carried out in Iran is the climate division by Ganji (1995),
which was made according to Coupons proposed methods and formulas. However, it should be
noted that the first climate division was carried out by Jamshid Riyaziin (1977) for use in
construction works, in which Olgays method and data related to 43 synoptic stations were
used. But, due to the unclear role of construction elements in controlling the conditions of
internal spaces in Olgays method, this climate division could not attract much attention. Then,
in 1984, using Givonis construction bioclimatic chart, Morteza Kasmaei studied different
climates of Iran to achieve thermal comfort in buildings and housing and obtained remarkable
results. In the same year, Kasmaeiin the book Climate and Architecture analyzed the building
design principles in relation to climate. During 1987 to 2003, he investigated the architecture
compatible with climate in Iran. In 1994, Alijani in his article noted the role of weather in
housing design and offered suggestions for climatic design in Tabriz, using the methods
proposed by Givoni, Olgay and Mahani. In their book, Qobadian and Mahdavi (2010) examined
the way to take advantage of climatic conditions in designing the structures such as using air
flow in ventilation, the use of radiation and evaporative cooling and also solar heating. In 1987,
Mohammadi examined the relationship between climate and architecture inthe book entitled
Applied Meteorology and stated the style of architecture and buildings in various parts of Iran
with regard to climatic conditions. Kaviani (1993) engaged in studying and providing a
bioclimatic map of Iran. Also, Shayan (1386) zoned the climatic comfort conditions in
Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, using Terjung method and GIS software. In 2007,
Farajzadeh Asl compared the climatic compatibility of old and new housing in Sanandaj using
Mahanis method and analyzed the results by SPSS software. In addition, Asgarinejad (1984)
reviewed the architecture compatible with climate and introduced inexpensive and executive
procedures in order to benefit from climatic conditions to ensure the comfort of the living space.
He also took into account the manifestations of architecture compatible with climate in
traditional buildings. Daryabari addressed the role of climatic elements in Semnan architecture.
Kamyabi et al. (2002) studied the role of climatic elements in the architecture of traditional
spaces in Semnan. Besides, the following individuals assessed bio-climate, climatic design and
buildings heating needs and evaluated the thermal comfort in the interior of buildings: Asayesh
in 1999 for Tabriz, Amiri in 2004 for Qom, Sheikh-al-Eslami and Tahbaz in 2006 for Hamedan,
Pourjafar and Mahmoudinejd in 2007and Shaqaqi and Mofidi Shemirani for cold regions of
Iran, Moshiri in 2009 for hot and humid climatic regions, Lashkari and PourkhademNamin in
2005 and Mahmoudinejad and Taqvaei in 2006. Among the countries of the world, Sam and
Cheng (1997) in Hong Kong exhaustively examined the use of climatic elements in
architectural design and buildings energy. In 2005, Buden and Grub assessed the thermal
comfort in five cities of Tunisia from two climatic regions. Toi et al. (2007) studied and
determined bioclimatic comfort conditions in Erzurumcity in rural, urban and forest areas in
Turkey.
Babolsar is located in temperate and humid climate in which the basis for the formation of
residential environment and thermal comfort are climate changes in this climatic zone. The aim
of climatic studies in this article is to examine the suitable conditions inside the building for
minimum fossil energy consumption and create suitable environmental conditions in this
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KAMYABI, DABBAGHIAN
climatic zone. In this research, appropriate methods have been provided for minimum
consumption, efficient use of fuel and better architectural design compatible with climate, using
climatic indices and through investigating the effect of climate on buildings and human
comfort.
Location
Babolsaris one of the cities of Mazandaran province, which is located in the north of Iran
between the Caspian Sea and Alborz mountains.This city is the center of Babolsar County that
contains 124,323 inhabitants which is equivalent to 4.4% of the total population of the province.
Babolsar with a1350 hectare area is located in Babolrood river estuary on the southern coast of
the Caspian Sea at longitude52 degrees, 39 minutes, 30 seconds and latitude36 degrees, 43
minutes.
Its old name is Mshhadsar. Some believe that the oldest name has been Mashhadsabz, that is,
green Mashhad. The word Mashhad due to the shrine of Emamzadeh Ebrahim, the current
Mashhad city and Emamzadeh Ebrahim in Amol and the word sabz (green) because of
greenness have been the manifestation of flourishing and beauty of the region and this city was
renamed as Mashhadsar over time.
Babolsar County is located in the central part of Mazandaran province and on the southern coast
of the Caspian Sea. This county is restricted to the Caspian Sea in the north, to Babol County in
the south, to Juybar County in the east, to Simorgh County in the southeast and to
Fereydunkenar County in the west. Babolsar longitude is 52, 39 minutes and its latitude is
36,42 minutes. The city is at a height of 7 meters above the Caspian Sealevel and 22 meters
below the level of open seas.
In terms of topography, Babolsar is situated on the plain and coastal area and in terms of
ruggedness, prominent topographic features are not observed in this city. Babolsar is almost
smooth and extends with a gentle slope fromAlborz Mountains to the Caspian Sea. It is also
surrounded by plain and except for the coastal area and Babolrood riverside lands, other lands
of the city have a slope of 1 to 3 percent (Figure 1 & 2).

Figure 1. Location of Mazandaran province and Babolsar County.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Descriptive-analytical method was used in this study. Most of the data were gathered through
library studies and required climate information was extracted from the data related to weather
station in Babolsar between 1951 and 2010 and also Meteorological Organization and
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Assessing Thermal Comfort Indices In Line With The Architectural Design Compatible With
The Climate In Babolsar
informational websites. Based on the data obtained from the mentioned station, required
suggestions and solutions were presented.
Analysis of research findings

The data used in this study was obtained from the synoptic station in Babolsar in a 60-year
statistical period. Climatic data used are as follows:
Average maximum and minimum temperatures
Average monthly fluctuations in temperature
Average maximum and minimum relative humidity
Average relative humidity
Total annual rainfall
Wind direction (Table 1)
Table 1. Climatic data for Babolsar.

Month

Monthly
fluctuations in
temperature

April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
January
February
March

14.7
19.8
24.1
26.4
26.5
23.8
19
13.9
9.9
8
8.2
10.3

Monthly fluctuations in
temperature
Maximum
18.1
23.3
27.8
30.4
30.6
27.8
23.2
18.1
13.9
11.8
11.7
13.4

Minimum
11.3
16.2
20.4
22.5
22.5
19.8
14.9
9.7
5.9
4.2
4.7
7.1

Average
relative
humidity
82
80
77
78
79
81
84
86
86
85
84
84

Average relative
humidity
Maximum
94
93
92
93
93
95
96
96
96
96
95
95

Minimum
68
64
61
62
64
65
67
69
70
70
69
70

Total
annual
rainfall
32.7
19.7
22.5
29.1
48.9
92.9
149
141.9
126.4
92.7
67.5
66

Climatic solutions
Caspian Sea coasts with a temperate climate and abundant rain are considered among the
temperate and humid regions. This area, which is enclosed in a strip form between
AlborzMountains and the Caspian Sea, is composed of low plains and the more we move
towards the east, moderation and humidityof the air are reduced. In fact, Alborz
Mountains,which are located between two opposing climates, separate the low plains of the
Caspian Sea from the central plateau. Among the features of this climate are high humidity of
the air and its moderate temperature (Kasmaei, 2005).
Vernacular architecture of these regions including most of the Caspian Sea coasts and the
northern slopes of Alborz Mountains generally has the following features:

In very humid areas of the coasts near the sea, houses were built on wooden foundations in
order to protect the building against excessive moisture. But on the mountains slope which has
less moisture, houses are usually built on the basis of stone and mud and in some cases on
catwalks.
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KAMYABI, DABBAGHIAN

To protect the rooms again strain, wide and covered small verandas were made around them.
These spaces are used in some months of the year for working and resting and in some other
months, for storing agricultural products.
Most of the buildings were constructed by materials with minimum thermal capacity and in case
of using heavy building materials, their thickness is maintained at the least possible degree.In
these areas, it is better to use lightweight materials since the daily fluctuation in temperature is
low, heat storage is not important and besides, heavy building materials to a large extent reduce
the impact of ventilation and turbulence which are among the requirements in this area.
In all the buildings of these areas, natural ventilation and turbulence are used without exception.
Generally, plans are broad and open and their skeletal form is mostly geometric, long and
narrow. In order to take the maximum advantage of the wind for creating natural ventilation
inside the rooms, direction of the buildings was determined with regard to the direction of sea
breezes. In the areas where strong and prolonged winds are blowing, the parts facing the wind
are completely closed.
In order to make greater use of air flow and also due to the abundance of water and access to it
anywhere, buildings are organized in a scattered and decentralized form.
Because of heavy rainfall in these regions, roofs are sloping and most of them are too steep
(Kasmaei, 2005).
Assessing thermal comfort indices for Babolsar
Olgays method
By using this table, we can examine the climatic conditions in various areas in terms of human
comfort. Durability of annual hot and cold weather in different cities, the degree of seriousness
of thermal conditions, type of mechanical systems and the need for mechanical systems are
determined according to the amount of moisture and the intensity of heat or cold (Figure. 2).
The following figure is obtained based on monthly temperature and moisture transfer over 60
years.

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Assessing Thermal Comfort Indices In Line With The Architectural Design Compatible With
The Climate In Babolsar

Figure 2. Investigating comfort conditions using Olgays index.

Results of analyzing Olgays chart for Babolsar

The following results were obtained through observing this chart:

June, July, August and September (are above the comfort zone and a sense of comfort should be
created by both air flow and evaporation of water particles in the air. A sense of comfort cannot
be provided during the day unless the air velocity inside the building is raised by creating air
turbulence through controlling the way the openings are placed and their size or that
evaporative cooling such as cooler, chiller and cooling water systems is used so that body heat
loss is accelerated through forced convection and evaporation of sweat.
In May, although it is located at the bottom and near the comfort zone, temperature range will
be within the comfort zone during the day by mild airflow and receiving the radiation heat of
150 watts per square meter (calculations show that for every two degrees of temperature
reduced, 150 watts of sun's radiant heat are required).
April, October and November are at the bottom of the comfort zone and humans normally do
not have thermal comfort conditions unless they are exposed to direct sunlight. Otherwise, the
needed comfort is provided by using heating appliances. In other words, increasing the heat
produced by the sun or mechanical devices is essential to reach the comfort zone.
In December, January, February and March, the needed comfort should only be provided
through heating appliances.

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KAMYABI, DABBAGHIAN
Givonis method
By using this table, we can attempt to achieve the necessary comfort conditions inside the
building based on climatic and constructional characteristics of the region.
According to statistical information, by transferring average maximum monthly temperature
over 60 years and average minimum monthly temperature in this period on the chart and also
finding monthly relative humidity on it, the following figure is obtained (Figure 3).

Figure 3. Investigating comfort conditions using Givonis index.

Results of analyzing Givonis chart for Babolsar

Table 2. Guide for Figure 4.

Jan Feb March April May June

1
2
3
4
5
6
Average minimum air temperature
Average maximum air temperature

July
7

August
8

Sep
9

Oct
10

Nov
11

Dec
12

Months of Dec, Jan, Feb and March in their cold days are placed in solar active zone. The
mentioned days which are located on the chart in the area outside the H and H need a thermal
source to provide comfort conditions.
Cold days of September, October, November are placed in solar passive zone of heat reception
and zone H. Zone H is the development of zone H on the chart. This shows the conditions in
which minimum temperature inside the building is sufficiently higher than the temperature
outside so that there is no need for thermal sources. In addition to the mentioned days, warm
days of January, February, March, September and December are placed in solar passive zone of
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Assessing Thermal Comfort Indices In Line With The Architectural Design Compatible With
The Climate In Babolsar
heat reception and zone H. Thus, considering the chart, in cold seasons, April and March, the
heat inside the building will be used to achieve comfort.
Looking at the chart, inside the building will be in a state of comfort on cooler days of July,
May and August.
Architecture principles for specified parts on the bioclimatic chart

Heat exchange through the wall of the building in cold seasons should be minimized.
The air penetration through windows chinks, door and poor joints in the building should be
prevented.
Suns heat should be utilized in cold seasons.
Transverse ventilation and air turbulence should be used for rooms.
Mahanis method
Mahanis tables determine the comfort zone of days and nights in each month according to
minimum and maximum temperature and relative humidity.
Table 3. Climate data for Babolsar.

Longitude: 52/39
Latitude:36/42
The place under study:
Height from sea level: 7 meters
Babolsar
Temperature in Celsius Jan Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec.
Average
monthly
11.8 11.7 13.4 18.1 23.3 27.8 30.4 30.6 27.8 23.2 18.1 13.9
maximum temperature
Average
monthly
4.2 4.7 7.1 11.3 16.2 20.4 22.5 22.5 19.8 14.9 9.7 5.9
minimum temperature
Monthly fluctuation in
8 8.2 10.3 14.7 19.8 24.1 26.4 26.5 23.8 19 13.9 9.9
temperature
Table 4. Climate data for Babolsar.

Relative
humidit
y

Average
monthly
maximum
Average
monthly
minimum
Total
average
humidity

Relative
group
Rainfall in mm.
Wind

96

95

9
5

94

93

92

93

93

95

96

96

96

70

69

7
0

68

64

61

62

64

65

67

69

70

85

84

8
4

82

80

77

78

79

81

84

86

86

92.
7

67.
5

6
6

32.
7

19.
7

22.
5

29.
1

48.
9

92.
9

14
9

141.
9

126.
4

Prevailin
g wind
Vice
prevailing
wind

Table 5. Babolsar climate data and comparing it with Mahanis table.

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KAMYABI, DABBAGHIAN
Average
monthly
maximum
temperature
Comfor Maximu
t zone m
(day)
Minimum
Average
monthly
minimum
temperature
Comfor Maximu
t zone m
(night)
Minimum

11.
8

11.
7

13.
4

18.
1

23.
3

27.
8

30.
4

30.
6

27.
8

23.
2

18.
1

13.
9

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

4.2

4.7

7.1

11.
3

16.
2

20.
4

22.
5

22.
5

19.
8

14.
9

9.7

5.9

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

H
O

O
O

C
C

Table 6. Determining cold, warm and comfortable zone according to Mahanis table

Determining Day
C
thermal
Night C
status

C
C

C
C

C
C

O
O

H
H

H
H

H
H

C
C

Table 7. Determining thermal indices.

4 The need for air flow (H1)

3 Desirability of air flow (H2)
The necessity to protect against rain
0
(H3)
The need for heat accumulation in the
0
wall of the building (A1)
0 Night's sleep in the open air (A2)
6 The problem of cold months (A3)
Table 8. Suggestions for designing the details of the building according to Mahanis table.

Suggestions

Thermal status indices

A3
A2
A1
H3
H2
6
0
0
0
3
Method of establishing the buildings
1- The length of buildings along the East and West
0 - 10
1 12 11 &
5
12
2- Compact architecture with yard
2 0-4
The space between the buildings
3- Wide and open space for the use of wind
3
4- As above, on the condition of preventing hot and
4
cold wind
5- Compact collection
5
The air flow inside the building
6- Isolated rooms for using permanent turbulence
6
7- Conjoined rooms and temporarily predicting the air
flow when necessary

1608

H1
4

11 &
12
2 - 10
0&1
3 - 12
1&2

0-5
6 - 12
2 12

Assessing Thermal Comfort Indices In Line With The Architectural Design Compatible With
The Climate In Babolsar
8- No need for a significant airflow

0 &
1

Windows
9- Large windows,40% to 80% of north and south
9
walls
10- Very small windows, 10% to 20%
10
11- Medium windows, 20% to 40%

0
0 &
1

11

0&1
11 &
12
All other conditions

Walls
12- Light weight walls, short delay time
13- Heavy walls, internal and external

02
3 - 12

12
13

Ceilings
14- Light weight ceilings with thermal insulation
14
15- Heavy ceilings, delay time of more than 8 hours
15
Nights sleep in the open air
16- The necessity to predict space for nights sleep
16

05
6 - 12
2 12

Protection against rain

17- The need for protection against rain

17

3 12

Analysis of Mahanis bioclimatic index

Buildings stretch should be along the east-west axis so that buildings are exposed to air flow.
The use of wind and airflow in the space between the buildings is appropriate if the penetration
of hot and cold strong winds is prevented.
Due to the high humidity of the region and reaching comfort conditions inside the building,
permanent air turbulence is suitable.
The use of large windows to provide ventilation and permanent air turbulence is important.
With regard to the temperate climate of the region and the need for permanent air flow,
lightweight materials and materials with less thermal mass are used for construction.
In order to protect against rain, spaces like verandas are applied around the building and the
light weight sloping roof.
Recommendations based on Babolsar climate with regard to the results of analyzing the
psychometric chart and the methods

Flexibility of building plan

A broad and open plan
Skeletal form in geometric, long and narrow shapes
Developing the plan along the east-west axis
The use of free forms and cross forms in plans
Eliminating the basement due to the high level of underground water and high humidity of the
air
Creating and maintaining turbulence in the interior
Increasing the height of the building from the ground in order to take advantage of wind in
providing natural ventilation
Determining the direction of the building according to favorable winds direction
The direction of the buildings with regard to the direction of sea breezes
Directing the air flow to the rooms
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KAMYABI, DABBAGHIAN

Using the openings with relatively large surfaces, high ceilings and wide verandas in order to
enjoy the air flow
The use of large windows to cool the interior if there is no possibility of air turbulence.
Otherwise, even by using small windows which are set in a good place with regard to wind
direction, turbulence can be created inside the building
Preventing the penetration of cold winds together with rain in cold seasons
Placement of buildings in a scattered and decentralized form in order to take the maximum
advantage of air flow
The use of effective shades for windows in hot seasons
Leaving a space between the building and ground to protect against moisture
Using the semi-open space of the veranda to protect the rooms against rain
Utilizing sloping roofs due to abundant rainfall
The use of materials with minimal thermal capacity or materials with high thermal capacity and
minimum thickness
The use of lightweight building materials
REFERENCES
[1] Heidari, Sh. & Ghaffari Jabbari, Sh. (2010).Determining the time range of thermal comfort
for Tabriz. Journal of Tarbiat Modares University, 4: 37-44.
[2] Kasmaei, M. (2005).Climate and Architecture. Isfahan: Khak Publishing.
[3] Lechner, N. (2006). Heating, Cooling, Lighting: Sustainable Design Methods for
Architects. Translated by M. Kkeynejad and R. Azari. Tabriz: Islamic Art University
Press.
[4] Qobadian, V. (2005). Climatic design, theoretical and executive principles of energy
application in buildings. Tehran: Tehran University Press.
[5] Qobadian, V. (2005).Climatic investigation of Irans traditional buildings.Tehran: Tehran
University Press.
[6] Razjouyan, M. (2009).Comfort under the patronage of architecture compatible with the
climate. Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran.
[7] Sadeqi Roshan, M. &Tabatabaei, M. (2009).Determining the time range of thermal
comfort in hot and dry weather conditions. Journal of Hoviyat-e-shahr,4: 39-46.
[8] Shahrouz Tehrani, I. (2010). Guidelines on sustainable architecture.Tehran: Mehrazan
Publishing.

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